PCHR
 Palestinian Centre for Human Rights

http://www.pchrgaza.org

Weekly Report: On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories

No. 50/2004

16  - 22 Dec.  2004

 

Israeli Troops Continue Attacks in the OPT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Introduction

 Israeli occupying troops have launched more attacks against Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), especially in the Gaza Strip.  This week, 16 Palestinians, 6 of whom were civilians, including a child, were killed and dozens of others were injured by Israeli troops.  Human rights violations perpetrated by Israeli occupying troops included willful killings, incursions into Palestinian areas, indiscriminate shelling, land leveling and total closure imposed on Palestinian communities.

 In the Gaza Strip, Israeli troops killed 16 Palestinians.  Fourteen of the victims, 4 of whom were civilians, including a child, were killed by Israeli troops during 2 incursions into al-Nimsawi neighborhood and Khan Yunis refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip on 17 and 22 December 2004.  During these incursions, Israeli troops used disproportionate force against members of the Palestinian resistance who clashed with these troops.  In addition, at least 60 Palestinian civilians, including 26 children, were injured by Israeli troops, which also destroyed 48 houses, rendering 351 people homeless.  They also damaged a number of civilian facilities, including Nasser Hospital and an elementary school.  On 17 December 2004, a Palestinian civilian died from a previous injury he had sustained by Israeli troops in Jabalya refugee camp.  On 22 December 2004, Israeli troops killed a Palestinian civilian in the northern Gaza Strip, apparently as he was attempting to infiltrate through the border with Israel. 

This week, Israeli troops conducted 3 incursions into Palestinian areas in the Gaza Strip, during which they razed 69 donums of agricultural land and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians.  Israeli troops continued to shell Palestinian residential areas.  This week, 16 Palestinian civilians were injured, including 9 children in Rafah and Khan Yunis.  On 16 and 17 December 2004, the Israeli air force destroyed a house, 15 shops and a workshop in Rafah.  It also destroyed a workshop and a garage in Gaza City on 17 December 2004.

 In the West Bank, Israeli troops moved into various areas throughout the West Bank, injured a number of Palestinian civilians and arrested dozens of others.  They also destroyed 2 houses in the context of retaliation against families of Palestinian detainees.  In addition, they raided offices of a number of civil societies and confiscated some of their contents. 

 Israeli troops have continued to construct the annexation wall inside the West Bank territory.  They started to raze areas of Palestinian agricultural land in Jayous village, northeast of Qalqilya, and Far'oun village, south of Tulkarm.  On Friday, 17 December 2004, Israeli occupation authorities issued a military order confiscated large areas of Palestinian land for the purpose of the construction of the wall in Hebron. 

 Israeli troops have continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and have imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem. 

 In the Gaza Strip, Israeli troops have continued to close all border crossings of the Gaza Strip either partially or completely.  They have closed Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border for the 2nd consecutive week.  They have continued to impose severe restriction on internal movement.  On 21 December 2004, Israeli troops closed the costal road that links Gaza City with the central Gaza Strip.  These measures violate the Palestinian economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights. 

 In the West Bank, Israeli troops imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  They stopped, checked and humiliated Palestinian civilians while crossing military checkpoints throughout the West Bank.  They imposed curfews on a number of Palestinian communities and arrested a number of Palestinian civilians while crossing military checkpoints. 

 

Shelling of, and Encroachment into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property

 Thursday, 16 December 2004

 At approximately 02:30, 5 Israeli military jeeps moved into Hebron.  Israeli troops raided and searched offices of Hebron Society for Women in al-Haras area.  They confiscated a computer set.  Israeli troops also raided offices of the society, which is active in women's activities and providing assistance for orphans, on 30 April 2004 and confiscated some its contents.

 At approximately 02:30, Israeli troops moved into Beit Kahel village, northwest of Hebron.  They raided and searched offices of the charitable society and the Qur'an center in the west of the village.  They damaged contents of the offices. 

 At approximately 10:45, Israeli troops positioned in military posts at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at residential areas in the town.  a Palestinian child, 3-year-old Hala 'Abdul Rahman al-Ghuraiz, was wounded by a live bullet in the left thigh, when she was inside her family home in al-Junaina neighborhood, nearly 900 meters away from the border. 

 At approximately 22:00, Israeli troops, reinforced by a number of military vehicles, moved nearly 200 meters into al-Qarara village, north of Khan Yunis.  They raided Mustafa Mousa Abu 'Eid's house.  They held its 13 residents in one room and searched it using dogs.  Then, they arrested Ibrahim Musallam Abu 'Eid, 26, the owner's son-in-law who was in a visit to the family. 

 At approximately 23:30, the Israeli air force fired 2 missiles at a carpentry workshop belonging to the Abu Muhsen family.  The workshop is located on the first floor of a 4-storey house, where 50 people (4 families) live.  Fire broke out in the workshop and destroyed its contents.  Following this attack, Israeli occupation forces claimed that the workshop was used to manufacture weapons. 

 During the day, Israeli troops moved into Beit Dajan village, east of Nablus; Zeita village, north of Tulkarm; and Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 6 Palestinians.     

 

Friday, 17 December 2004

 Israeli troops launched a fierce offensive on Khan Yunis, in an act of retaliation against Palestinian civilians and property.  During this offensive, Israeli troops killed 11 Palestinians, 4 of whom were civilians, including a child, and injured 50 others, including 22 children.  The injuries of 8 have been described by medical sources as serious.  The Israeli offensive was focused on Khan Yunis refugee camp and al-Nimsawi neighborhood.  Israeli troops destroyed 39 houses, rendering 287 individuals (45 families) homeless.  They also destroyed the southern fence of Nasser Hospital and 2 civilian cars.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 00:25, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles and drones, moved nearly 600 meters into Khan Yunis refugee camp and al-Nimsawi neighborhood in the southwest of Khan Yunis.  Under the cover of indiscriminate shelling, they ordered residents of houses to vacate them.  Israeli raided a number of apartment buildings, forced their residents out and transformed them into military sites. 

 At approximately 04:00, the Israeli air force fired a missile at a number of Palestinian civilians who were near their houses in the vicinity of Imam Albani mosque in Khan Yunis refugee camp.  Four civilians were injured, 2 of whom are in a serious condition. 

 At approximately 05:30, a number of members of the Palestinian resistance clashed with IOF positioned in al-Nimsawi neighborhood.  In these clashes, one member of the resistance, Rami Ghazi Abu Sa'da, 27, was killed by a live bullet in the neck. 

 Also at approximately 05:30, as a result of the indiscriminate Israeli shelling, a physically disabled Palestinian civilian, Sa'id 'Aaref 'Abdullah Abu al-Sa'id, 41, was killed by a live bullet in the head, as he had just left the mosque following the dawn prayer. 

 At approximately 12:20, a number of members of the Palestinian resistance clashed with IOF in al-Nimsawi neighborhood.  In these clashes, one member of the resistance, Shadi 'Abdul Hamid Hussein al-Haddad, 23, was killed by a live bullet in the head. 

 At approximately 13:30, 2 members of the Palestinian resistance were killed by live bullets and shrapnel from artillery shells fired by Israeli troops:

 1.     Islam 'Abdul 'Aziz al-Nabrees, 21, hit by a live bullet to the neck; and

2.     Khaled 'Abdul Rahman Ibrahim Abu 'Obaida, 18, hit by shrapnel to the upper part of the body. 

 At approximately 16:00, Israeli positioned in al-Nimsawi neighborhood opened fire at dozens of Palestinian civilians who were in the streets near Nasser Hospital.  A child, 17-year-old Jihad Ramadan Abu 'Omar, was killed by a live bullet in the chest, and 3 other civilians were injured. 

 At approximately 19:55, the Israeli air force fired a missile at a number of Palestinian civilians in Khan Yunis refugee camp.  One civilians, 21-year-old, 'Izziddin Hamdan, was killed as his body was torn into pieces.  A few minutes later, Palestinian medical crews were able to evacuate the body of a civilian who had been already killed in al-Nimsawi neighborhood.  The victim was identified as Hamed 'Essam al-Rantissi, 18.

 As a result of the indiscriminate shelling by Israeli troops, which continued from 08::00 until the evening, 23 Palestinians, mostly civilians, including 14 children, were injured in the vicinity of Nasser Hospital, which was subject to shelling and destruction.  This number includes a Palestinian ambulance driver, Hassan Sa'id Abu Samra, 50, who was wounded by a live bullet in the left foot when he was attempting to reach 2 civilians who were injured near the southeastern fence of Mubarak Hospital.  Medical crews at Nasser Hospital have been forced to vacate 2 departments due to the Israeli shelling.  

 At approximately 00:00 on Saturday, 18 December 2004, following coordination with IOF, Palestinian medical crews were able to evacuate the body of Ahmed Mohammed Abu Ramadan, 26, a member of the Palestinian resistance, who apparently bled to death to the south of Nasser Hospital. 

 At approximately 08:25, Israeli troops opened fire at Palestinians who gathered in the vicinity of Nasser Hospital.  Ten Palestinians, including 6 children, were injured.  Injuries of 2 of them were described by medical sources as serious. 

 At approximately 12:30 on Saturday, medical sources at Nasser Hopsital in Khan Yunis, declared that Ibrahim 'Abdul Hamid al-Farra, 23, a member of the Palestinian resistance, died from an injury he had sustained in the morning, during clashes with IOF.

 At approximately 13:25, Israeli troops fired 2 artillery shells at a number of members of the Palestinian resistance who were to the east of Nasser Hospital.  One member of the resistance, Mohammed Mansour Jarghoun, 20, was killed by shrapnel in the head, and 4 other Palestinians were injured. 

 At approximately 14:00, Israeli troops opened fire at the areas in which they moved.  This gunfire continued until 22:00, when Israeli troops withdrew to neighboring military posts and settlements.  Three Palestinians, including 2 children, were injured. 

 Medical crews at Nasser Hospital have been forced to vacate 2 departments due to the Israeli shelling.  The educational process at schools in Khan Yunis refugee camp has been paralyzed due to the Israeli offensive.  

 During this latest ongoing incursion, Israeli troops demolished many houses.  This incursion created a humanitarian crisis as hundreds of Palestinian civilians have become homeless.  They have been absorbed at 2 UNRWA schools.  

 At noon, Palestinian medical sources declared that Mohammed Ahmed Abu Rafee', 25, from Jabalya refugee camp, died at a Jordanian hospital, from an injury he had sustained more than 2 months ago.  According to PCHR's documentation, Abu Rafee' was hit by several live bullets throughout the body on 1 October 2004, when he was near his house in Jabalya refugee camp.  Israeli troops opened fire at him during an Israeli wide scale offensive on the northern Gaza Strip, which left 103 Palestinians dead. 

 At approximately 22:00, Israeli troops positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, ordered residents of Block O in Rafah refugee camp to vacate their houses or open windows.  A few minutes later, a heavy explosion occurred.  The explosion resulted from a heavy shell that hit an uninhabited house belonging to the Abu 'Obaid family, where 14 people had previously lived.  The house and 15 neighboring shops were destroyed.  The source of the shell was debated, as some eyewitnesses stated that it was fired by a launcher at the Egyptian border, while others asserted that it was fired by the Israeli air force.  Following this attack, Israeli occupation authorities claimed that the house harbored an underground tunnel. 

 At approximately 22:15, the Israeli air force fired 6 missiles at a workshop and a garage in Gaza City.  Three of the missiles destroyed a garage owned by Maher 'Abdullah al-Ramli in al-Nasser neighborhood.  The other three missiles destroyed a workshop owned by Hisham Sa'id al-Masri at al-Sahaba Street.  The same workshop was attacked by the Israeli military aircraft last week. 

 

Saturday, 18 December 2004

 At approximately 02:00, Israeli troops moved into the villages of al-Burj and al-Bireh, southwest of Hebron.  They raided and searched dozens of houses and arrested 12 Palestinians, including 2 university students and 4 teachers. 

 Also at approximately 02:00, Israeli troops moved into Qalqilya.  They raided and searched dozens of houses and arrested 8 Palestinians, including 4 brothers.

 At approximately 16:00, a number of Israeli military jeeps moved into Bethlehem.  Israeli troops chased a number of children who were playing near their houses in al-Kurkuffa neighborhood in the north of the town.  They arrested 9-year-old Ward Jamal Zawahra, and took him to Gilo military checkpoint at the northern entrance to the town.  There, the child was interrogated until 20:00, when he was released.  He was forced to go back home on foot. 

 At approximately 17:20, Israeli troops positioned in military posts along the Egyptian border opened fire at residential areas in the town.  Two Palestinian children were wounded:

1.     Nourhan Isma'il Abu Sha'ar, 4, seriously wounded by a live bullet in the back when she was inside her family home in al-Shaboura refugee camp, nearly 1200 meters away from the border; and

2.     'Abdul Karim Asa'ad Baroud, 16, wounded by a live bullet in the left arm when he was inside his family home in al-Junaina neighborhood, nearly 900 meters away from the border. 

 At approximately 19:00, Israeli troops positioned in military posts along the Egyptian border opened fire at residential areas in the town.  A Palestinian civilian, Sufair Mahmoud Abu 'Azzoum, 60, was wounded by a live bullet in the right knee when he was in al-Shaboura refugee camp, nearly 1200 meters away from the border. 

 

  

Sunday, 12 December 2004

 At approximately 03:00, Israeli troops moved into Qalqilya.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinians.

 At approximately 09:45, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at a number of Palestinian civilians who were checking the damage caused by an Israeli military incursion into Khan Yunis refugee camp.  A Palestinian child, 14-year-old Mohammed Yousef Abu Shab, was wounded by a live bullet in the abdomen. 

 At approximately 10:10, the Israeli air force fired a missile at a number of Palestinian children who were playing to the north of Sheikh Zayed housing project in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip.  The missile fell nearly 800 meters away from the children, and no casualties were reported.  At noon and in the evening, the Israeli air force fired a number of missiles at uninhabited areas, apparently to terrify Palestinian civilians. 

 At approximately 12:00, Israeli troops moved into Tulkarm refugee camp.  A number of Palestinian children gathered stones at these troops.  Immediately, Israeli troops fired at the children, wounding 15-year-old 'Alaa' Mahmoud Deeb aith a rubber-coated metal bullet in the right leg. 

 At approximately 12:30, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp and al-Nimsawi neighborhood.  A Palestinian child, 15-year-old Mohammed 'Emad al-Buzom, was injured by shrapnel in the abdomen. 

 In the evening, Israeli troops opened fire at the same areas.  A Palestinian child, 5-year-old Amal Asa'ad Abu al-Reesh, was injured by shrapnel in the head, when she was inside her family home. 

 

Monday, 20 December 2004

 At approximately 07:50, Israeli troops positioned in military posts at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian house in al-Salam neighborhood.  A Palestinian civilian, Yasser Mohammed Hassan, 22, was injured by shrapnel in the face, when he ws near his house.

 At approximately 10:30, Israeli troops positioned in military posts at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at residential areas in the town.  A Palestinian schoolchild, 13-year-old 'Othman Salim al-Malalha, was wounded by a live bullet in the head, when he was at an UNRWA preparatory school in al-Shaboura refugee camp, nearly 1200 meters away from the border. 

 At approximately 16:40, Israeli troops positioned in "al-Nouria" military post, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp and al-Amal neighborhood.  Three Palestinian civilians, including a child, were injured:

1.     Isma'il Ahmed Khalafallah, 34, injured by shrapnel in the head and the legs;

2.     Khaled Ibrahim Khalafallah, 42, injured by shrapnel in the right arm; and

3.     Mohammed Fu'ad Abu al-Sa'id, 8, injured by shrapnel in the right arm.

 At approximately 20:00, a number of Israeli military jeeps moved into Halhoul town, north of Hebron.  Israeli troops opened fire at houses.  A number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at the jeeps.  Immediately, Israeli troops fired at the children, wounding 16-year-old Wissam Yasser Abu Rayan with a rubber-coated metal bullet in the chest. 

 Also at approximately 20:00, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp.  A Palestinian child, 10-year-old Nisreen Saleh Abu Sitta, was injured by shrapnel in the left foot, when she was in her family home, nearly 600 meters away from the source of fire. 

 

Tuesday, 21 December 2004

 In the early morning, Israeli troops, reinforced by a number of heavy military vehicles, moved into Sheikh 'Ejlin neighborhood in the southwest of Gaza City.  They blocked the coastal road that links Gaza City with the central Gaza Strip.  Then, under the cover of indiscriminate shelling, they started to raze areas of Palestinian agricultural land.  By noon, they had razed 69 donums of agricultural land planted with grapes, figs and vegetables belonging to the families of Shamallakh, al-Hajeen, 'Ayad and Mushtaha.  They also destroyed a bird farm belonging to the Shamallakh family. 

 At approximately 09:30, Israeli troops positioned in military posts at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Brazil neighborhood.  A Palestinian child, 6-year-old Alaa' Mo'een Abu Jazar, was wounded by a live bullet in the left thigh, when she was playing near her family home. 

 During the day, Israeli troops moved into Jenin and the neighboring Kufor Ra'ei village; Nablus; Hebron; and Nour Shams refugee camp near Tulkarm.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 12 Palestinians. 

 

Wednesday, 22 December 2004

At approximately 00:30, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles and drones, moved nearly 800 meters into al-Nimsawi neighborhood and Khan Yunis refugee camp.  Under the cover of indiscriminate shelling, they ordered residents of houses in al-Nimsawi neighborhood to vacate them.  Israeli raided a number of apartment buildings, forced their residents out and transformed them into military sites.  Israeli troops moved towards Nasser Hospital and destroyed its southern fence.  An Israeli military vehicle took position inside the hospital.  At approximately 02:40, the Israeli air force fired a missile near the hospital.  A number of buildings were damaged, but no casualties were reported.  Israeli troops moved forwards and destroyed parts of the fence of an elementary school.  At approximately 07:30, a number of members of the Palestinian resistance clashed with Israeli troops.  In these clashes, one member of the resistance, 18-year-old Mohammed Ashraf al-Jeraitalli, was killed by a live bullet in the chest.  As a result of the indiscriminate shelling by Israeli troops, 4 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were injured, one of whom was in a serious condition.  At approximately 16:00, a Palestinian civilian, Ibrahim Hamdi al-Bayouk, 30, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the abdomen.  He died half an hour later.  At approximately 18:15, a members of the Palestinian resistance, Salim Mohammed 'Abdul Hadi al-Sir, 33, was killed by a live bullet in the head during clashes with Israeli troops.  As result of the indiscriminate shelling by Israeli troops, which continued until 21:00 when Israeli troops withdrew from the area, 7 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, were injured.  Israeli troops also destroyed 9 houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp, in which 64 individuals (10 families) lived.  It is worth noting that this incursion was the second of its kind into the same area in less than 5 days.     

 In the morning, Israeli occupation authorities informed the Palestinian side that a body of a Palestinian was near the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Jabalya.  Immediately, a Palestinian ambulance went to the area, but Israeli troops did not allow the medical crew to start searching for the body until 14:30.  According to the medical crew, they found the body on the border fence.  The victim was hit by several live bullets to the chest and the back.  The victim did not have any weapons.  The body was evacuated to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, where the victim was later identified as Mohammed Khalil Ibrahim Abu Nasser, 19, from Beit Lahia. 

  

Collective Punishment against Families of Wanted Palestinians and Those Who Have Carried out Armed Attacks against Israeli Targets

 In violation of international humanitarian law, in particular the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 1949, article 33 of which prohibits punishing any protected person for “an offence he or she has not personally committed,” Israeli forces took retaliatory measures against the families of Palestinians Israel alleges have ordered, facilitated, or carried out attacks against Israeli targets.

 At approximately 01:00 on Monday, 20 December 2004, 10 Israeli military vehicles moved into 'Arraba village, south of Jenin.  They surrounded a 1300-square-meter house owned by Fathi Deeb 'Ayoush.  Israeli troops forced the 10 residents of the house out, and planted explosives inside.  At approximately, 02:30, they destroyed the house.  The owner's son, Mohammed, has been detained by Israeli occupation authorities since 11 August 2004. 

 At the same time, Israeli troops surrounded a 400-square-meter house owned by Mustafa Asa'ad 'Obaid.  They forced the 8 residents of the house out and planted explosives inside.  At approximately 02:45, they destroyed the house.  The owner's son, Bassam, has been detained by Israeli occupation authorities since 11 August 2004.

               

Continued Siege on the OPT

This week, Israeli troops have continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem. 

 

Gaza Strip

 Israeli troops have continued to close all border crossings of the Gaza Strip either partially or completely.  They have closed Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border for the 2nd consecutive week.  They have continued to impose severe restriction on internal movement.  On 21 December 2004, Israeli troops closed the costal road that links Gaza City with the central Gaza Strip.  These measures violate the Palestinian economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights. 

 Israeli troops positioned at al-Matahen and Abu Houli checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street (the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip) imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  The two checkpoints are opened between 06:00 and 20:00 everyday.  On Thursday evening, 16 December 2004, Israeli troops reopened the two checkpoints following a 3-day closure.  However, in the following days, Israeli troops searched Palestinian vehicles and arrested a number of Palestinians.  On Friday morning, 17 December 2004, Israeli troops held and searched a number of Palestinian vehicles between the two checkpoints.  They arrested Majdi Mikad Mohammed al-Astal, 24, from Khan Yunis.  The same happened on Sunday, 19 December 2004.  Israeli troops interrogated a number of Palestinian civilians, including the director of PCHR's Field Work Unit, until 21:00.  They arrested Maher Isma'il Suleiman al-Masri, 25.

 On Tuesday morning, 21 December 2004, Israeli troops closed the coastal road that links Gaza City with the central Gaza Strip opposite to "Netzarim" settlement.  This closure continued until noon.  During this closure, Israeli troops fired at a number of Palestinian civilians who tried to cross the road on foot.  One civilian, Ahmed Ibrahim Darwish, 23, was wounded by a live bullet in the right hand. 

 Israeli troops have continued to impose a strict siege on al-Mawasi area in the southern Gaza Strip.  They have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians living in the area to and from the area, which have caused extreme suffering for these civilians.  Since 3 December 2004, Israeli troops have closed al-Tuffah checkpoint, the sole outlet of the area, in the face of Palestinian civilians wishing to enter the area.  On the following days, dozens of civilians waited at the checkpoint to be allowed to go back homes in the area, but Israeli troops fired at them.  Israeli troops and settlers also attacked Palestinian agricultural property in the area.  Israeli troops have continued to prevent female Palestinians whose ages are between 16 and 25, and male ones whose ages are between 16 and 30 from crossing al-Tuffah checkpoint when it is open, without prior coordination.  Tal al-Sultan checkpoint at the entrance of al-Mawasi area in Rafah has been closed for more than one year and entry into the area has been limited to al-Tuffah checkpoint in Khan Yunis. 

 In the same context, Israeli troops have also continued to impose a tightened siege on al-Sayafa area in the northern Gaza Strip.  Israeli troops continue to control the only gate in and out of the area.  They allow only 4-5 people to pass through each day to buy basic provisions.  These people are only allowed to pass through at certain specified hours and they are subject to humiliation and degrading treatment during the security check process.

 Israeli troops have continued to close Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip for the 5th consecutive month. They only allow patients to travel through the crossing, but under severe conditions and following coordination.  Although Israeli troops have partially operated al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing to the east of Gaza City, they have imposed severe restrictions on the flow of goods through the two crossing.  As result, the Palestinian market has lacked several basic goods.  Israeli troops partially opened Sofa crossing, northeast of Rafah, and allowed the entry of construction raw materials, but the crossing has remained closed in the face of Palestinian workers since March 2004.   

 Since 13 December 2004, Israeli troops have closed Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border, which is the only outlet for the Gaza Strip to the outside world.  Israeli troops often close the terminal under security claims. The number of Palestinians allowed to travel through the terminal daily is very limited.  As a result of closure, thousands of Palestinian civilians have not been able to travel abroad.  If this closure continued, hundreds of Palestinian civilians will not be able to travel to Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the Haj  (pilgrimage). 

 

The West Bank

 Israeli troops have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities.  They have also imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians and imposed curfews on a number of villages.

 

Ramallah

 Israeli troops imposed severe restriction at military checkpoints to the south of the town.  According to eyewitnesses, this week, Israeli troops erected a number of sudden checkpoints to the north and south of the town.  They stopped dozens of Palestinian vehicles and checked Palestinian civilians.  On Monday morning, 20 December 2004, Israeli troops moved into Bitounia town, south of Ramallah, and closed the main road leading to the center of the town.  They also imposed a curfew on the town for several hours.

 

Bethlehem

 On Saturday morning, 18 December 2004, Israeli troops erected a military checkpoint on Wad al-Nar road that links between the north and south of the West Bank.  They stopped dozens of vehicles and checked Palestinian civilians.  They also prevented some civilians from crossing the checkpoint.

 

Nablus

 Israeli troops imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  According to eyewitnesses, on Saturday morning, 18 December 2004, Israeli troops erected a number of checkpoints on the roads liking the city with neighboring Palestinian communities.  They forced Palestinian civilians to wait for long hours before allowing them to cross those checkpoints. 

 

Qalqilya

 On Friday morning, 17 December 2004, Israeli troops al-Nafaq road, which links the town with villages located to the south.  This closure continued throughout the week.  On Saturday morning, 18 December 2004, Israeli troops erected a military checkpoint at the eastern entrance of the town.  According to eyewitnesses, Israeli troops stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian vehicles.  The same occurred on the following day. 

 

Tulkarm

 On Thursday morning, 16 December 2004, Israeli troops erected a checkpoint to the east of the town.  They stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian vehicles.  On Friday, 17 December 2004, Israeli troops erected a checkpoint to the south of the town.  They stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian vehicles.  On Saturday morning, 18 December 2004, Israeli troops the iron gate near al-Kafriyat checkpoint, south of the town, and prevented Palestinian civilians from crossing the checkpoint.  On Sunday, 19 December 2004, Israeli troops erected a checkpoint at the entrance to Shwaika area, north of Tulkarm.  They stopped a number of cars and checked Palestinian civilians. 

 

Hebron

 Israeli troops imposed severe restrictions on Palestinian civilians living in Wad al-Nasara neighborhood near "Kiryat Arba" settlement, southeast of the town.  On Friday, 17 December 2004, they beat a number of Palestinian children and prevented them from crossing the main road in the area claiming that it is devoted to settlers.  On Tuesday morning, 21 December 2004, Israeli troops closed the iron gate established at the eastern entrance to Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, and prohibited movement of Palestinian civilians.  Israeli troops at various checkpoints around the town stopped Palestinian vehicles.  They also checked and beat dozens of Palestinian civilians. 

 

Jericho

 On Tuesday morning, 21 December 2004, Israeli troops imposed a strict siege on the town.  They prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians from and into the town.  Consequently, many Palestinian civilians were not able to reach al-Karama Terminal on the Jordanian border.

 

Jenin

 On Tuesday morning, 21 December 2004, Israeli troops closed Jenin-Nablus road.  They erected a number of checkpoints on the road.  They stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian vehicles and forced them to travel back to their homes. 

 

Arrests at Military Checkpoints

 On Monday evening, 20 December 2004, Israeli troops positioned at sudden military checkpoint near Jenin arrested 2 Palestinians: Qadri Besharat, 22; and Ra'fat Besharat, 23, both from Tammoun village, southeast of Jenin.

 

Curfews

 Israeli troops have continued to impose a curfew on Tallouza village, northeast of Nablus since Saturday, 11 December 2004.   

 

Continued Construction of the Annexation Wall

 Israeli troops have continued to construct the annexation wall inside the West Bank territory.  They started to raze areas of Palestinian agricultural land in Jayous village, northeast of Qalqilya, and Far'oun village, south of Tulkarm.  On Friday, 17 December 2004, Israeli occupation authorities issued a military order confiscated large areas of Palestinian land for the purpose of the construction of the wall in Hebron. 

On Monday morning, 20 December 2004, Israeli military bulldozers started to raze areas of Palestinian agricultural land in Jyous village, northeast of Qalqilya.  According to eyewitnesses, the bulldozers razed at least 80 donums of agricultural land planted with olives belonging to the Salim family, located to the west of the wall.  According to the local council of the village, Israeli troops have uprooted at least 317 olive trees since the construction of the wall started in the area.  Israeli troops who escorted the bulldozers beat the owners of the land and arrested 2 Palestinians: Mohammed Jamil Salim, 26; and Hassan Salim, 34. 

 Also on Monday morning, 20 December 2004, Israeli military bulldozers started to raze areas of Palestinian agricultural land belonging to the families of 'Otair, Budairen and 'Omar in Far'oun village, south of Tulkarm.  The owners of the land were prevented from reaching the area. 

 On Friday, 17 December 2004, Israeli occupation authorities issued a military order confiscating more areas of Palestinian agricultural land for the purpose of the construction of the wall in Hebron.  According to the order, at least 50 donums of Palestinain land in Nouba village, southwest of Tulkarm, would be confiscated for the purpose of the construction of the wall.  According to local source, the area of the land to be confiscated is larger than what is mentioned in the order.     

 

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Recommendations to the International Community

 1.     PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel's respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.  PCHR calls on the international community to immediately “ensure respect” for the Convention.

2.     PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel's respect of the Convention in the OPTs and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians.

3.     PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to comply with its legal obligations detailed in article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.

4.     PCHR recommends international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs to participate in the process of searching for Israeli war criminals and to urge their governments to bring these war criminals to justice.

5.     PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate article 2 of the Euro-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel.  PCHR further calls upon the EU states to prohibit import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPTs. PCHR also requests the application of the EU Guidelines on Arms Sales and requests that EU Missions and Embassies in Israel and the oPts press the Israeli government to apply and implement in full the recently agreed EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders.

6.     PCHR calls upon European governments to change their positions towards the Palestinian cause at UN bodies, particularly the General Assembly, Security Council and Commission on Human Rights. 

7.     PCHR requests that the international community follow the advisory opinion of the ICJ when it called on the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Convention, through the UNGA and UNSC, to take effective measures to stop the construction of the annexation wall in the West Bank.

8.     In recognition of ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva Convention, PCHR calls upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in the OPTs, including for facilitating family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

9.     PCHR appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights organizations, bar associations, unions and NGOs, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel's respect for human rights in the OPTs and to end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.

10. In light of the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupying forces on access of international solidarity groups to the OPTs, PCHR calls upon European countries to deal the same way with Israeli citizens. 

11. PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law and humanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question. Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability in the region. Any peace agreement or process must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.

 

 

“END”

 


 

[1] 1 donum is equal to 1000 square meters.

Public Document

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